Mixed Martial Arts is a relatively new sport that has been gaining popularity since the inception of the UFC. Through the decline of traditional boxing, it has become the premier source of fighting competitions to watch and bet on. However, bettors need to be aware of the basics so that they can understand what it is that they are betting on, when the choose the appropriate options provided by the best Asian and European bookmakers.
The Octagon
Under this concept, the first term to learn is the one that defines the setting where the fights actually happen. It’s the eight-sided ring with a padded fence wall surrounding the main fighting area. Its size can change based on the organization or even single events. For example, UFC has used a 25-foot octagon rather than their regular 30-foot one for a set of events in 2020.
When the time comes, fighters enter this area according to their body weight and try to knock out their opponent through strikes, kicks, punches and other techniques. Any combination of recognized fighting styles like Judo, Jujitsu, Sambo, Kick boxing can be used to win the bout.
Terms for winning
We have already referenced the most popular term. However, it is only one of the four ways that a battle can be won:
Knockout (KO) Quite possibly the flashiest way to end a game, a KO happens when a fighter knocks the opponent down and they are unable to get back up.
Technical Knockout (TKO) The term refers to a situation where a fighter may still be standing but they are effectively unable to defend themselves. At that point, the referee will intervene, stop the match and award the TKO to the other fighter. Doctors on the sidelines can also intervene and rule that a fighter cannot continue a fight safely.
Submission The way a fighter can win by submission is if they lock their opponent down in a way that forces them to surrender, either verbally or by tapping.
Decision Victory This is the most common way to win in a high-level fight. After all the rounds are fought, the outcome is decided by the judges based on the number of points scored by each player.
No Contest
While it may look like there are none, in fact there is a full set of rules in UFC combats, aimed at protecting the health of the contestants. If both fighters continually break them, or if one fighter is injured unintentionally by an illegal action, a «no contest» can be called and the fight is over without a victor.
Speaking of the rules here are some of the most important ones:
Eyes, groin, spine, back, and throat are out of bounds and any technique aimed at these parts of the body, results in immediate penalties.
Attacking opponents when they are down, under the care of the referee, after the end of a round or the match, or any unsportsmanlike activity that can intentionally result in an injury are strictly forbidden.
Any disregard to the instructions of the referee, or any interference from cornermen is also punishable.
Any usage or detection of prohibited substances results in expulsions and disqualifications.
In the next part of this glossary, we will deal with the legal techniques and the code of honor that is supposed to be adhered to, at all times. Knowing that there is a bushido makes the fights fairer and the punters that register for a betting account via broker ,more assured that there is no rigging of the results.
